System and method of managing power at a portable computing device and a portable computing device docking station

ABSTRACT

A method of managing power distribution between a portable computing device (PCD) and a PCD docking station is disclosed and may include determining that the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station, switching a power supply to the PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD docking station battery, and powering the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery. Further, the method may include determining whether a PCD battery power equals a charge condition and charging the PCD battery when the PCD battery power equals the charge condition. The method may also include monitoring a PCD docking station battery power, determining whether the PCD docking station battery power equals a warning condition, and transmitting a first warning when the PCD docking station battery power equals the warning condition.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/164,084, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGINGPOWER AT A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICEDOCKING STATION, filed on Mar. 27, 2009.

CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.______, entitle A PORTABLE DOCKING STATION FOR A PORTABLE COMPUTINGDEVICE, filed concurrently (Attorney Docket Number 090954U1). Thepresent application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.______, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING MEMORY AT A PORTABLECOMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filedconcurrently (Attorney Docket Number 090954U2). The present applicationis related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SYSTEMAND METHOD OF MANAGING SECURITY BETWEEN A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE ANDA PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed concurrently(Attorney Docket Number 090954U3). The present application is related toU.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OFMANAGING DISPLAYS AT A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLECOMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed concurrently (Attorney DocketNumber 090954U4). The present application is related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING DATACOMMUNICATION AT A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTINGDEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed concurrently (Attorney Docket Number090954U6). The present application is related to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. ______, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING SCALABLECOMPUTING BETWEEN A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLE COMPUTINGDEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed concurrently (Attorney Docket Number090954U7). The present application is related to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. ______, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING WIRELESSCONNECTIVITY BETWEEN A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLECOMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed concurrently (Attorney DocketNumber 090954U9). The present application is related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING THEEXECUTION OF APPLICATIONS AT A PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND A PORTABLECOMPUTING DEVICE DOCKING STATION, filed concurrently (Attorney DocketNumber 090954U10).

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to portable computing devices,and more particularly, to portable computing device docking stations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Portable computing devices (PCDs) are ubiquitous. These devices mayinclude cellular telephones, portable digital assistants (PDAs),portable game consoles, palmtop computers, and other portable electronicdevices. As technology increases, PCDs are becoming increasinglypowerful and rival laptop computers and desktop computers in computingpower and storage capabilities.

One drawback to using a PCD, however, is the small form factor typicallyassociated therewith. As the PCD gets smaller and is made more easilyportable, using the PCD may become increasingly difficult. Further, thesmall form factor of a PCD may limit the amount of ports, orconnections, that may be incorporated in the shell, or housing, of thePCD. As such, even as PCDs become more powerful and have increasedcapabilities, access to the power and capabilities may be limited by thesizes of the PCDs.

Accordingly, what is needed is an improved for system and method fortaking advantage of the computing capabilities provided by a PCD.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A method of managing power distribution between a portable computingdevice (PCD) and a PCD docking station is disclosed and may includedetermining that the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station,switching a power supply to the PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD dockingstation battery, and powering the PCD and the PCD docking station fromthe PCD docking station battery. Further, the method may includedetermining whether a PCD battery power equals a charge condition andcharging the PCD battery when the PCD battery power equals the chargecondition. The method may also include monitoring a PCD docking stationbattery power, determining whether the PCD docking station battery powerequals a warning condition, and transmitting a first warning when thePCD docking station battery power equals the warning condition.

In this aspect, the method may include determining whether the PCDdocking station battery power equals a critical condition andtransmitting a second warning when the PCD docking station battery powerequals the critical condition. The method may include determiningwhether an external power source is connected to the PCD dockingstation, charging the PCD docking station battery when the externalpower source is connected, switching the power supply to the PCD and thePCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery to the PCDbattery, and powering the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCDbattery.

Moreover, the method may include monitoring the PCD battery power anddetermining whether the PCD battery power equals a power down condition.The method may also be transmitting a third warning when the PCD batterypower equals the power down condition and powering down the PCD and thePCD docking station when the PCD battery power equals the power downcondition.

In another aspect, a portable computing device is disclosed and mayinclude means for determining that the PCD is docked with the PCDdocking station, means for switching a power supply to the PCD from aPCD battery to a PCD docking station battery, and means for powering thePCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery.The portable computing device may include means for determining whethera PCD battery power equals a charge condition and means for charging thePCD battery when the PCD battery power equals the charge condition.Also, the portable computing device may include means for monitoring aPCD docking station battery power, means for determining whether the PCDdocking station battery power equals a warning condition, and means fortransmitting a first warning when the PCD docking station battery powerequals the warning condition.

In this aspect, the portable computing device may include means fordetermining whether the PCD docking station battery power equals acritical condition and means for transmitting a second warning when thePCD docking station battery power equals the critical condition.Further, the portable computing device may include means for determiningwhether an external power source is connected to the PCD dockingstation, means for charging the PCD docking station battery when theexternal power source is connected, means for switching the power supplyto the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking stationbattery to the PCD battery, and means for powering the PCD and the PCDdocking station from the PCD battery.

The portable computing device may also include means for monitoring thePCD battery power and means for determining whether the PCD batterypower equals a power down condition. Moreover, the portable computingdevice may include means for transmitting a third warning when the PCDbattery power equals the power down condition and means for poweringdown the PCD and the PCD docking station when the PCD battery powerequals the power down condition.

In another aspect, a portable computing device is disclosed and mayinclude a processor. The processor may be operable to determine that thePCD is docked with the PCD docking station, to switch a power supply tothe PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD docking station battery, and topower the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking stationbattery. Further, the processor may be operable to determine whether aPCD battery power equals a charge condition and to charge the PCDbattery when the PCD battery power equals the charge condition. Theprocessor may also be operable to monitor a PCD docking station batterypower, to determine whether the PCD docking station battery power equalsa warning condition, and to transmit a first warning when the PCDdocking station battery power equals the warning condition.

In this aspect, the processor may be operable to determine whether thePCD docking station battery power equals a critical condition and totransmit a second warning when the PCD docking station battery powerequals the critical condition. Also, the processor may be operable todetermine whether an external power source is connected to the PCDdocking station, to charge the PCD docking station battery when theexternal power source is connected, to switch the power supply to thePCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery tothe PCD battery, and to power the PCD and the PCD docking station fromthe PCD battery.

The processor may be operable to monitor the PCD battery power, todetermine whether the PCD battery power equals a power down condition,to transmit a third warning when the PCD battery power equals the powerdown condition, and to power down the PCD and the PCD docking stationwhen the PCD battery power equals the power down condition.

In another aspect, a computer program product is disclosed and mayinclude a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium mayinclude at least one instruction for determining that the PCD is dockedwith the PCD docking station, at least one instruction for switching apower supply to the PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD docking stationbattery, and at least one instruction for powering the PCD and the PCDdocking station from the PCD docking station battery. Moreover, thecomputer-readable medium may include at least one instruction fordetermining whether a PCD battery power equals a charge condition and atleast one instruction for charging the PCD battery when the PCD batterypower equals the charge condition.

In this aspect, the computer-readable medium may include at least oneinstruction for monitoring a PCD docking station battery power, at leastone instruction for determining whether the PCD docking station batterypower equals a warning condition, and at least one instruction fortransmitting a first warning when the PCD docking station battery powerequals the warning condition. Also, the computer-readable medium mayinclude at least one instruction for determining whether the PCD dockingstation battery power equals a critical condition and at least oneinstruction for transmitting a second warning when the PCD dockingstation battery power equals the critical condition.

The computer-readable medium may further include at least oneinstruction for determining whether an external power source isconnected to the PCD docking station, at least one instruction forcharging the PCD docking station battery when the external power sourceis connected, at least one instruction for switching the power supply tothe PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station batteryto the PCD battery, and at least one instruction for powering the PCDand the PCD docking station from the PCD battery.

Additionally, the computer-readable medium may include at least oneinstruction for monitoring the PCD battery power and at least oneinstruction for determining whether the PCD battery power equals a powerdown condition. The computer-readable medium may include at least oneinstruction for transmitting a third warning when the PCD battery powerequals the power down condition and at least one instruction forpowering down the PCD and the PCD docking station when the PCD batterypower equals the power down condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughoutthe various views unless otherwise indicated.

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a portable computing device (PCD) in aclosed position;

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a PCD in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a PCD;

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of a PCD;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a first aspect of a PCD;

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking stationin a closed configuration;

FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station ina closed configuration;

FIG. 8 is a first side plan view of a first aspect of a PCD dockingstation in a closed configuration;

FIG. 9 is a second side plan view of a first aspect of a PCD dockingstation in a closed configuration;

FIG. 10 a front plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking station inan open configuration;

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a first aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration with a PCD docked therewith;

FIG. 12 is a side plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking stationin a closed configuration;

FIG. 13 is a front plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration;

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration with a PCD partially docked therewith;

FIG. 15 is a front plan view of a second aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration with a PCD docked therewith;

FIG. 16 is a side plan view of a third aspect of a PCD docking stationin a closed configuration;

FIG. 17 is a front plan view of a third aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration with a PCD partially docked therewith;

FIG. 18 is a side plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking stationin a closed configuration;

FIG. 19 is a front plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position;

FIG. 20 is a front plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position;

FIG. 21 is a front plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position andwith a PCD docked therewith;

FIG. 22 is a side plan view of a fourth aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position andwith a PCD docked therewith;

FIG. 23 is a side plan view of a fifth aspect of a PCD docking stationin a closed configuration;

FIG. 24 is a front plan view of a fifth aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position;

FIG. 25 is a front plan view of a fifth aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration with a PCD docking tray in an open position andwith a PCD docked therewith;

FIG. 26 is a front plan view of a sixth aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration;

FIG. 27 is a front plan view of a sixth aspect of a PCD docking stationin an open configuration with a PCD docked therewith;

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a first aspect of a PCD/PCD dockingstation system;

FIG. 29 is a block diagram of a second aspect of a PCD/PCD dockingstation system;

FIG. 30 is a block diagram of a third aspect of a PCD/PCD dockingstation system;

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of a fourth aspect of a PCD/PCD dockingstation system;

FIG. 32 is a block diagram of a second aspect of a PCD;

FIG. 33 is a first portion of a flowchart illustrating a method ofmanaging power at a PCD and a PCD docking station; and

FIG. 34 is a second portion of a flowchart illustrating a method ofmanaging power at a PCD and a PCD docking station.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary”is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous overother aspects.

In this description, the term “application” may also include fileshaving executable content, such as: object code, scripts, byte code,markup language files, and patches. In addition, an “application”referred to herein, may also include files that are not executable innature, such as documents that may need to be opened or other data filesthat need to be accessed.

The term “content” may also include files having executable content,such as: object code, scripts, byte code, markup language files, andpatches. In addition, “content” referred to herein, may also includefiles that are not executable in nature, such as documents that may needto be opened or other data files that need to be accessed.

As used in this description, the terms “component,” “database,”“module,” “system,” and the like are intended to refer to acomputer-related entity, either hardware, firmware, a combination ofhardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example,a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on aprocessor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both anapplication running on a computing device and the computing device maybe a component. One or more components may reside within a processand/or thread of execution, and a component may be localized on onecomputer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition,these components may execute from various computer readable media havingvarious data structures stored thereon. The components may communicateby way of local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with asignal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one componentinteracting with another component in a local system, distributedsystem, and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systemsby way of the signal).

Referring initially to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, an exemplary portablecomputing device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated 100. Asshown, the PCD 100 may include a housing 102. The housing 102 mayinclude an upper housing portion 104 and a lower housing portion 106.FIG. 1 shows that the upper housing portion 104 may include a display108. In a particular aspect, the display 108 may be a touchscreendisplay. The upper housing portion 104 may also include a trackballinput device 110. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper housing portion104 may include a power on button 112 and a power off button 114. Asshown in FIG. 1, the upper housing portion 104 of the PCD 100 mayinclude a plurality of indicator lights 116 and a speaker 118. Eachindicator light 116 may be a light emitting diode (LED).

In a particular aspect, as depicted in FIG. 2, the upper housing portion104 is movable relative to the lower housing portion 106. Specifically,the upper housing portion 104 may be slidable relative to the lowerhousing portion 106. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower housing portion 106may include a multi-button keyboard 120. In a particular aspect, themulti-button keyboard 120 may be a QWERTY keyboard. The multi-buttonkeyboard 120 may be revealed when the upper housing portion 104 is movedrelative to the lower housing portion 106. FIG. 2 further illustratesthat the PCD 100 may include a reset button 122 on the lower housingportion 106.

As shown in FIG. 3, the PCD 100 may include a multi-pin connector array130 established, or otherwise disposed, in a short end of the PCD 100,e.g., a bottom of the PCD 100. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 4,the PCD 100 may include a multi-pin connector array 132 established, orotherwise disposed, in a long end of the PCD 100, e.g., a left side ofthe PCD 100 or a right side of the PCD 100. In a particular aspect, themulti-pin connector array 130, 132 may provide connectivity between thePCD 100 and an aspect of a PCD docking station, described in detailbelow.

Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary, non-limiting aspect of a portablecomputing device (PCD) is shown and is generally designated 520. Asshown, the PCD 520 includes an on-chip system 522 that includes adigital signal processor 524 and an analog signal processor 526 that arecoupled together. The on-chip system 522 may include more than twoprocessors. For example, the on-chip system 522 may include four coreprocessors and an ARM 11 processor, i.e., as described below inconjunction with FIG. 32. It may be appreciated that the on-chip system522 may include other types of processors, e.g., a CPU, a multi-coreCPU, a multi-core DSP, a GPU, a multi-core GPU, or any combinationthereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a display controller 528 and a touchscreencontroller 530 are coupled to the digital signal processor 524. In turn,a touchscreen display 532 external to the on-chip system 522 is coupledto the display controller 528 and the touchscreen controller 530.

FIG. 5 further indicates that a video encoder 534, e.g., a phasealternating line (PAL) encoder, a sequential couleur a memoire (SECAM)encoder, or a national television system(s) committee (NTSC) encoder, iscoupled to the digital signal processor 524. Further, a video amplifier536 is coupled to the video encoder 534 and the touchscreen display 532.Also, a video port 538 is coupled to the video amplifier 536. Asdepicted in FIG. 5, a universal serial bus (USB) controller 540 iscoupled to the digital signal processor 524. Also, a USB port 542 iscoupled to the USB controller 540. A memory 544 and a subscriberidentity module (SIM) card 546 may also be coupled to the digital signalprocessor 524. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a digital camera 548 may becoupled to the digital signal processor 524. In an exemplary aspect, thedigital camera 548 is a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera or acomplementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, a stereo audio CODEC 550 may becoupled to the analog signal processor 526. Moreover, an audio amplifier552 may coupled to the stereo audio CODEC 550. In an exemplary aspect, afirst stereo speaker 554 and a second stereo speaker 556 are coupled tothe audio amplifier 552. FIG. 5 shows that a microphone amplifier 558may be also coupled to the stereo audio CODEC 550. Additionally, amicrophone 560 may be coupled to the microphone amplifier 558. In aparticular aspect, a frequency modulation (FM) radio tuner 562 may becoupled to the stereo audio CODEC 550. Also, an FM antenna 564 iscoupled to the FM radio tuner 562. Further, stereo headphones 566 may becoupled to the stereo audio CODEC 550.

FIG. 5 further indicates that a radio frequency (RF) transceiver 568 maybe coupled to the analog signal processor 526. An RF switch 570 may becoupled to the RF transceiver 568 and an RF antenna 572. As shown inFIG. 5, a keypad 574 may be coupled to the analog signal processor 526.Also, a mono headset with a microphone 576 may be coupled to the analogsignal processor 526. Further, a vibrator device 578 may be coupled tothe analog signal processor 526. FIG. 5 also shows that a power supply580 may be coupled to the on-chip system 522. In a particular aspect,the power supply 580 is a direct current (DC) power supply that providespower to the various components of the PCD 520 that require power.Further, in a particular aspect, the power supply is a rechargeable DCbattery or a DC power supply that is derived from an alternating current(AC) to DC transformer that is connected to an AC power source.

As shown in FIG. 5, the PCD 520 may also include a global positioningsystem (GPS) module 582. The GPS module 582 may be used to determine thelocation of the PCD 520. Further, the GPS module 582 may be used todetermine whether the PCD 520 is in motion by determining successivelocation information. Also, based on the successive location informationthe rate at which the PCD 520 is moving may be determined.

FIG. 5 indicates that the PCD 520 may include a management module 584,e.g., within the memory 544. The management module 584 may be used tomanage the power of the PCD, the power of a PCD docking station, or acombination thereof.

Further, in another aspect, the management module 584 may be used tomanage the memory 544 within the PCD 520, a memory within a PCD dockingstation, or a combination thereof. Specifically, the management module584 may be used to manage one or more applications stored within the PCD520, one or more content items stored within the PCD 520, one or moreapplications stored within a PCD docking station, one or more contentitems stored within a PCD docking station, one or more applicationdownload requests received from a PCD 520, one or more content itemdownload requests received from a PCD 520, one or more applicationdownload requests received from a PCD docking station, one or morecontent item download requests received from a PCD docking station, or acombination thereof.

In yet another aspect, the management module 584 may also be used tomanage security between the PCD 520 and a PCD docking station, e.g., amated PCD docking station, an unmated PCD docking station, or acombination thereof. Further, the management module 584 may also be usedto manage the display 532 within the PCD 520, a display within a PCDdocking station, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the managementmodule 584 may be used to manage calls received at the PCD 520, e.g.,while the PCD 520 is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. Themanagement module 584 may be used to manage calls transmitted from thePCD 520, e.g., while the PCD 520 is docked or undocked with a PCDdocking station. The management module 584 may also be used to manageother data transmission to and from the PCD 520 while the PCD 520 isdocked or undocked, e.g., via a Wi-Fi network, a WPAN, a cellularnetwork, or any other wireless data network.

In still another aspect, the management module 584 may be used to manageprocessors within the PCD 520, e.g., when the PCD 520 is docked with aPCD docking station, when the PCD 520 is undocked with a PCD dockingstation, or a combination thereof. The management module 584 may also beused to manage the execution of applications within the PCD 520 when thePCD is docked or undocked with a PCD docking station. For example, themanagement module 584 may manage the execution of primary applicationversions, secondary application versions, standard application versions,enhanced application versions, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 5 indicates that the PCD 520 may further include a sensor 586connected to the DSP 524. The sensor 586 may be a motion sensor, a tiltsensor, a proximity sensor, a shock sensor, or a combination thereof.The sensor 586 may be used for situational awareness applications. Forexample, the sensor 586 may be used to detect the motion of a userlifting the PCD 520 to his or her ear and at the apex of the motionautomatically connecting an incoming call. Further, the sensor 586 maydetect a prolonged lack of motion of the PCD 520 whereas the PCD 520 maybe automatically powered down, or placed in a sleep mode. The sensor 586may remain powered so that when motion is once again detected, the PCD520 may be switched from the sleep mode, or an off mode, into an activemode.

The sensor 586 may be used with tilt sensing applications. For example,the sensor 586 may be used for user interface applications in whichmovement is relevant. The sensor 586 may be used to sense picture, orscreen, orientation. Further, the sensor 586 may be used to navigate,scroll, browse, zoom, pan, or a combination thereof based on tiltsensing. The sensor 586 may also be used in conjunction with gamingapplications. In another application, the sensor 586 may be used forshock detection in order to protect a hard disk drive within the PCD 520or a hard disk drive within a PCD docking station in which the PCD 520is docked, or otherwise, engaged. Further, the sensor 586 may be usedfor tap detection.

FIG. 5 further indicates that the PCD 520 may also include a networkcard 588 that may be used to access a data network, e.g., a local areanetwork, a personal area network, or any other network. The network card588 may be a Bluetooth network card, a WiFi network card, a personalarea network (PAN) card, a personal area network ultra-low-powertechnology (PeANUT) network card, or any other network card well knownin the art. Further, the network card 588 may be incorporated into achip, i.e., the network card 588 may be a full solution in a chip, andmay not be a separate network card 588.

As depicted in FIG. 5, the touchscreen display 532, the video port 538,the USB port 542, the camera 548, the first stereo speaker 554, thesecond stereo speaker 556, the microphone 560, the FM antenna 564, thestereo headphones 566, the RF switch 570, the RF antenna 572, the keypad574, the mono headset 576, the vibrator 578, and the power supply 580are external to the on-chip system 522.

In a particular aspect, one or more of the method steps described hereinmay be stored in the memory 544 as computer program instructions. Theseinstructions may be executed by a processor 524, 526 in order to performthe methods described herein. Further, the processors, 524, 526, thedisplay controller 528, the touchscreen controller 530, the memory 544,the management module 584, the network card 588, or a combinationthereof may serve as a means for performing one or more of the methodsteps described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 6 through FIG. 11, a first aspect of a PCD dockingstation is shown and is generally designated 600. As shown, the PCDdocking station 600 may include a housing 602 having a generally flat,boxed shaped lower housing portion 604 and a generally flat, boxedshaped upper housing portion 606. In a particular aspect, the upperhousing portion 606 may be connected to the lower housing portion 604 bya first hinge 608 and a second hinge 610. The upper housing portion 606of the housing 602 may rotate around the hinges 608, 610 with respect tothe lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602. Accordingly, the upperhousing portion 606 may be rotated, or otherwise moved, relative to thelower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 between a closed position,or closed configuration, shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 9, and an openposition, or open configuration, shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. It may beappreciated that the open position may include a plurality of openpositions in which the upper housing portion 606 of the housing 602 isrotated away from the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 anddisposed at a plurality of angles with respect to the lower housingportion 604 of the housing 602.

Although, the PCD docking station 600 is shown with hinges 608, 610coupling the upper housing portion 606 to the lower housing portion 604.It may be appreciated that the upper housing portion 606 may be coupled,or otherwise connected, to the lower housing portion 604 via a slideassembly (not shown). The upper housing portion 606 may slide relativeto the lower housing portion 604 in order to reveal one or morecomponents within the lower housing portion 604, the upper housingportion 606, or a combination thereof. Further, the upper housingportion 606 and the lower housing portion 604 may snap together or becoupled, or otherwise connected, via various other coupling mechanismswell known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 9, the PCD docking station 600 mayinclude a first front foot 612 and a second front foot 614. Further, thePCD docking station 600 may also include a first rear foot 616 and asecond rear foot 618. Each foot 612, 614, 616, 618 may be made from apolymer, rubber, or other similar type of material to support the PCDdocking station 600 when placed on a desk or table and to prevent thePCD docking station 600 from slipping with respect to the desk or table.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, the PCD docking station600 may include a latch assembly 620. The latch assembly 620 may includea first hook 622 and a second hook 624 extending from the upper housingportion 606 of the housing 602. The first hook 622 and the second hook624 may be connected to each other and a slider 626. The latch assembly620 may also include a first hook pocket 628 and a second hook pocket630 formed within the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602. Thefirst hook pocket 628 and the second hook pocket 630 may be sized andshaped to receive and engage the first hook 622 and the second hook 624.The slider 626 may be moved, or otherwise slid, relative to the upperhousing portion 606 of the housing 602 in order to release the hooks624, 626 from the hook pockets 628, 630 and unlock the PCD dockingstation 600 in order to allow the upper housing portion 606 of thehousing 602 to be rotated with respect to the lower housing portion 604of the housing 602.

FIG. 9 illustrates that the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602may include a plurality of external device connections 640. For example,the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 may include an IEEE1284 connection 642, a first universal serial bus (USB) connection 644,a second USB connection 646, a registered jack (RJ) 11 connection 648,an RJ-45 connection 650, a microphone jack 652, and a headphone/speakerjack 654. Further, the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 mayinclude an S-video connection 656, a video graphics array (VGA)connection 658, and an alternating current (AC) power adapter connection660. The lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 may include otherconnections, described elsewhere herein.

Referring now to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the upper housing portion 606 ofthe PCD docking station 600 may include a display 670 incorporatedtherein. For example, the display 670 may be a liquid crystal display(LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, a backlit-LED display, anorganic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or any other type ofdisplay. The lower housing portion 604 of the PCD docking station 600may include a keyboard 672 incorporated therein. The keyboard 672 may bea fully QWERTY keyboard. The lower housing portion 604 of the PCDdocking station 600 may include a touch pad mouse 674 incorporatedtherein. Further, the lower housing portion 604 of the PCD dockingstation 600 may include a first mouse button 676 and a second mousebutton 678 incorporated therein. The mouse buttons 676, 678 may beproximal to the touch pad mouse 674. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 10and FIG. 11, the lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 mayinclude a first speaker 680 and a second speaker 682 incorporatedtherein. The lower housing portion 604 of the housing 602 may alsoinclude a fingerprint reader 684 incorporated therein.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the lower housing portion 604 of the housing602 may include an open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690formed in the surface thereof. In this aspect, the open-faced,closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690 may be sized and shaped to receive acorrespondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., the PCD 100 shown in FIG. 1through FIG. 4. The open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690 maybe a depression or hole formed in the lower housing portion 604 of thehousing 602. As shown, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690 may be an open space, or a volume, formed within a left side wall692, a right side wall 694, a rear side wall 696, a front side wall 698,and a bottom surface 700.

FIG. 10 indicates that the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket690 may include a multi-pin connector array 702. The multi-pin connectorarray 702 may be formed in, extend from (or a combination thereof), oneof the side walls 692, 694, 696, 698. In the aspect as shown in FIG. 10,the multi-pin connector 702 may extend from the left side wall 692 ofthe open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690. The multi-pinconnector array 702 may be sized and shaped to removably engage acorrespondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array, e.g., themulti-pin connector array 130 illustrated in FIG. 3, the multi-pinconnector array 132 illustrated in FIG. 4, a combination thereof, orsome other type of multi-pin connector array known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docketpocket 690 may also include a latch assembly 704 that extends over anedge of one of the side walls 692, 694, 696, 698. In the aspect as shownin FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the latch assembly 704 may extend over the edgeof the right side wall 694 of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD dockingpocket 690 opposite the left side wall 692 of the open-faced,closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690. The latch assembly 704 may bespring loaded and slidably disposed in the surface of the lower housingportion 604 of the housing 602. In the aspect as shown, the latchassembly 704 may be moved in a direction, e.g., to the right, in orderto allow a PCD, e.g., the PCD 100 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, to beinserted into the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690.Thereafter, when released, the latch assembly 704 may move in theopposite direction, e.g., to the left. The latch assembly 704 may thenengage an upper surface of the PCD 100 in order to maintain the PCD 100within the PCD docking pocket 690. FIG. 11 illustrates the PCD 100engaged with the PCD docking station 600.

As shown in FIG. 11, the PCD 100 may be installed within the open-faced,closed-ended docking pocket 690 as described herein. Depending on theorientation of the multi-pin connector array 702, the PCD 100 may beinstalled face up or face down within the open-faced, closed-endeddocking pocket 690. When the PCD 100 is installed within the dockingpocket 690, the multi-pin connector array 130 of the PCD 100 may beengaged with the multi-pin connector array 702 formed in the open-faced,closed-ended docking pocket 690. Further, when the PCD 100 is installedface up within the docking pocket 690, the display 670 within the PCDdocking station 600 may operate as a primary display and the PCD 100 mayoperate as a secondary display.

For example, an executing application may be displayed on the primarydisplay and one or more commands may be displayed on the secondarydisplay. In another aspect, in a video mode, video may be displayed onthe primary display and a video list and one or more video controls maybe displayed on the secondary display. In yet another aspect, in anaudio player mode, album art may be displayed on the primary display andone or more audio controls may be displayed in the secondary display.

In a phone mode, a contacts list, a call history, a caller photo, a callnumber, or a combination thereof may be displayed on the primary displayand a numeric keypad may be displayed on the secondary display. When acall occurs, an application manager, e.g., within the PCD 100 may switchfrom the current application displayed on the secondary display to aphone application displayed on the secondary display. The call may beanswered through the PCD 100 by undocking the PCD 100. Alternatively,the call may be answered through the PCD docking station 600, e.g.,through the speakers 680, 682 and a microphone connected to the PCDdocking station. Moreover, the call may be answered through a headset,e.g., a Bluetooth headset coupled to the PCD 100.

In yet another aspect, in an email application, a current email may bedisplayed on the primary display and a list of other emails may bedisplayed on the secondary display. In a game application, the executinggame may be displayed on the primary display and the game controls maybe displayed on the secondary display.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD 100 is docked with the PCDdocking station 600 the combination may be considered a mobile computingdevice (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, the combinationof the PCD 100 and the PCD docking station 600 is portable and thehousing 602 of the PCD docking station 600 may be closed while the PCD100 is docked with the PCD docking station 600. Also, the PCD dockingstation 600 may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch, within theopen-faced, closed-ended docking pocket 690. When the PCD 100 isinstalled within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket 690, thePCD 100 can close the switch and cause the PCD docking station 600 to bepowered on, e.g., energized. When the PCD 100 is ejected, or otherwiseremoved, from the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket 690, the PCDdocking station 600 may be powered off. In another aspect, simplyengaging the PCD 100 with the multi-pin connector array 702 may causethe PCD docking station 600 to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD 100from the multi-pin connector array 702 may cause the PCD docking station600 to be powered off.

Referring now to FIG. 12 through FIG. 15, a second aspect of a PCDdocking station is shown and is generally designated 1200. In general,the PCD docking station 1200 shown in FIG. 12 through FIG. 15 isconfigured in a manner similar to the PCD docking station 600 describedin conjunction with FIG. 6 through FIG. 11. However, the PCD dockingstation 1200 shown in FIG. 12 through FIG. 15 does not include aopen-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690 (FIG. 10).

As illustrated in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the PCD docking station 1200 mayinclude a housing 1202 having a lower housing portion 1204 and an upperhousing portion 1206. In this aspect, the lower housing portion 1204 mayinclude an open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210 formedtherein. The open-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210 may be sizedand shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD, e.g., thePCD 100 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4. The open-faced, open-ended PCDdocking pocket 1210 may be a depression or hole formed in the lowerhousing portion 1204 of the housing 1202. As shown, the open-faced,open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210 may be an open space, or a volume,formed within a left side wall 1212, a rear side wall 1214, a front sidewall 1216, and a bottom surface 1218. Further, the open-faced,open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210 is open on one side, e.g., the rightside, in order to allow a PCD to be slid, or otherwise moved, into theopen-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210.

FIG. 12 through FIG. 14 indicate that the open-faced, open-ended PCDdocking pocket 1210 may include a multi-pin connector array 1222. Themulti-pin connector array 1222 may be formed in, extend from (or acombination thereof), one of the side walls 1212, 1214, 1216. In theaspect as shown in FIG. 12 through FIG. 14, the multi-pin connector 1222may extend from the left side wall 1212 of the open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210. The multi-pin connector array 1222 may be sizedand shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shapedmulti-pin connector array, e.g., the multi-pin connector array 130illustrated in FIG. 3, the multi-pin connector array 132 illustrated inFIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connectorarray known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, a PCD, e.g., the PCD 100 shown in FIG.1 through FIG. 4, may be slid into the open-faced, open-ended PCDdocking pocket 1210 from the open, right side of the open-faced,open-ended PCD docking pocket 1210. The PCD may be moved to the leftuntil a multi-pin connector array on the PCD engages the multi-pinconnector array 1222 that extends into the open-faced, open-ended PCDdocking pocket 1210. When fully engaged with the open-faced, open-endedPCD docking pocket 1210, as depicted in FIG. 15, a touchscreen displaywithin the PCD may be accessible to the user.

Depending on the orientation of the multi-pin connector array 1222, thePCD 100 may be installed face up or face down within the open-faced,open-ended docking pocket 1210. When the PCD 100 is installed face upwithin the docking pocket 1210, the display within the PCD dockingstation 1200 may operate as a primary display and the PCD 100 mayoperate as a secondary display.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD 100 is docked with the PCDdocking station 1200 the combination may be considered a mobilecomputing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, thecombination of the PCD 100 and the PCD docking station 1200 is portableand the housing 1202 of the PCD docking station 1200 may be closed whilethe PCD 100 is docked with the PCD docking station 1200. Also, the PCDdocking station 1200 may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch,within the open-faced, open-ended docking pocket 1210. When the PCD 100is installed within the open-faced, open-ended docking pocket 1210, thePCD 100 can close the switch and cause the PCD docking station 1200 tobe powered on, e.g., energized. When the PCD 100 is ejected, orotherwise removed, from the open-faced, open-ended docking pocket 1210,the PCD docking station 1200 may be powered off. In another aspect,simply engaging the PCD 100 with the multi-pin connector array 1222 maycause the PCD docking station 1200 to be powered on. Disengaging the PCD100 from the multi-pin connector array 1222 may cause the PCD dockingstation 1200 to be powered off.

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, illustrate a third aspect of a PCD docking station,generally designated 1600. In general, the PCD docking station 1600shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 is configured in a manner similar to thePCD docking station 600 described in conjunction with FIG. 6 throughFIG. 11. However, the PCD docking station 1600 shown in FIG. 16 and FIG.17 does not include a open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 690(FIG. 10).

As illustrated in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the PCD docking station 1600 mayinclude a housing 1602 having a lower housing portion 1604 and an upperhousing portion 1606. In this aspect, the lower housing portion 1604 mayinclude a closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610 formedtherein. The closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610 may besized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped PCD,e.g., the PCD 100 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4. The closed-faced,open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610 may be a depression or hole formed inthe lower housing portion 1604 of the housing 1602. As shown, theclosed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610 may be an open space,or a volume, formed within a left side wall 1612, a rear side wall 1614,a front side wall 1616, a bottom surface 1618, and a top surface 1620.Further, the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket 1610 may beopen on one side, e.g., the right side, in order to allow a PCD to beslid, or otherwise moved, into the closed-faced, open-ended PCD dockingpocket 1610.

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 indicate that the closed-faced, open-ended PCDdocking pocket 1610 may include a multi-pin connector array 1622. Themulti-pin connector array 1622 may be formed in, extend from (or acombination thereof), one of the side walls 1612, 1614, 1616. In theaspect as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the multi-pin connector 1622 mayextend from the left side wall 1612 of the closed-faced, open-ended PCDdocking pocket 1610. The multi-pin connector array 1622 may be sized andshaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pinconnector array, e.g., the multi-pin connector array 130 illustrated inFIG. 3, the multi-pin connector array 132 illustrated in FIG. 4, acombination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector arrayknown in the art.

As shown in FIG. 17, a PCD, e.g., the PCD 100 shown in FIG. 1 throughFIG. 4, may be slid into the closed-faced, open-ended PCD docking pocket1610 from the open, right side of the closed-faced, open-ended PCDdocking pocket 1610. The PCD 100 may be moved to the left until amulti-pin connector array on the PCD 100 engages the multi-pin connectorarray 1622 that extends into the closed-faced, open-ended PCD dockingpocket 1610. When fully engaged with the closed-faced, open-ended PCDdocking pocket 1610, the PCD 100 may not be accessible to the user.

As shown in FIG. 16, the PCD docking station 1600 may further include aneject button 1624. When the eject button 1624 is pressed, the PCD 100may be ejected from the PCD docking pocket 1610 and the PCD dockingstation 1600 for retrieval by a user. Depending on the orientation ofthe multi-pin connector array 1622, the PCD 100 may be installed face upor face down within the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket 1610.When the PCD 100 is installed within the docking pocket 1610, themulti-pin connector array 130 of the PCD 100 may be engaged with themulti-pin connector array 1622 formed in the closed-faced, open-endeddocking pocket 1610.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD 100 is docked with the PCDdocking station 1600 the combination may be considered a mobilecomputing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, thecombination of the PCD 100 and the PCD docking station 1600 is portableand the housing 1602 of the PCD docking station 1600 may be closed whilethe PCD 100 is docked with the PCD docking station 1600. Also, the PCDdocking station 1600 may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch,within the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket 1610. When the PCD100 is installed within the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket1610, the PCD 100 can close the switch and cause the PCD docking station1600 to be powered on, e.g., energized. When the PCD 100 is ejected, orotherwise removed, from the closed-faced, open-ended docking pocket1610, the PCD docking station 1600 may be powered off. In anotheraspect, simply engaging the PCD 100 with the multi-pin connector array1622 may cause the PCD docking station 1600 to be powered on.Disengaging the PCD 100 from the multi-pin connector array 1622 maycause the PCD docking station 1600 to be powered off.

Referring to FIG. 18 through FIG. 22, a fourth aspect of a PCD dockingstation is shown and is generally designated 1800. In general, the PCDdocking station 1800 shown in FIG. 18 through FIG. 22 is configured in amanner similar to the PCD docking station 600 described in conjunctionwith FIG. 6 through FIG. 11. However, the PCD docking station 1800 shownin FIG. 18 through FIG. 22 does not include a open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 690 (FIG. 10).

As illustrated in FIG. 18 through FIG. 22, the PCD docking station 1800may include a housing 1802 having a lower housing portion 1804 and anupper housing portion 1806. In this aspect, the lower housing portion1804 may include a PCD docking tray 1810 extending therefrom. Inparticular, the PCD docking tray 1810 may be slidably engaged with thelower housing portion 1804 of the PCD docking station 1800. The PCDdocking tray 1810 may extend from a side of the lower housing portion1804, e.g., a left side, a right side, or a front side. In a particularaspect, as shown, the PCD docking tray 1810 may extend outwardly fromthe right side of the lower housing portion 1804 of the PCD dockingstation 1800. Further, the PCD docking tray 1810 may be movable betweenan open position, or extended position, in which the PCD docking tray1810 is extended from the PCD docking station 1800 and a closedposition, or retracted position, in which the PCD is retracted into thePCD docking station 1800.

The PCD docking tray 1810 may include a generally flat, generallyrectangular support plate 1812 having a proximal end 1814 and a distalend 1816. A face plate 1818 may be attached to, or formed with, thedistal end 1816 of the support plate 1812. As shown, in a particularaspect, the face plate 1818 may be perpendicular to the support plate1812. FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 further show that the PCD docking tray 1810may be formed with a central opening 1820. In a particular aspect, thecentral opening 1820 may be generally rectangular and may be oriented sothat a long axis of the central opening 1820 is substantially parallelto the proximal end 1814 and the distal end 1816 of the support plate1812.

As shown, the PCD docking tray 1810 may also include a support arm 1822that is sized and shaped to fit into the central opening 1820 formed inthe support plate 1812. The support arm 1822 may be generallyrectangular and may include a proximal end 1824 and a distal end 1826.The proximal end 1824 of the support arm 1822 may be connected to thesupport plate 1812 via a rod or pin (not shown) that passes through theproximal end 1824 of the support arm 1822 and into the support plate1812 on each side of the central opening 1820 flanking the support arm1822.

Further, as depicted, the support plate 1812 may include a multi-pinconnector array 1828 adjacent to the central opening 1820 and thesupport arm 1822. In a particular aspect, the multi-pin connector array1828 may be located adjacent to the proximal end 1824 of the support arm1822. The multi-pin connector array 1828 may be sized and shaped toremovably engage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connectorarray on a PCD, e.g., the multi-pin connector array 130 illustrated inFIG. 3, the multi-pin connector array 132 illustrated in FIG. 4, acombination thereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector arrayknown in the art.

In a particular aspect, the PCD docking tray 1810 is movable between anopen position, shown in FIG. 19, in which the PCD docking tray 1810extends fully from within the housing 1802, and a closed position inwhich the PCD docking tray 1810 is retracted into the housing 1802. Inthe closed position, the face plate 1818 of the PCD docking tray 1810may be flush with the side of the housing 1802.

Moreover, in a particular aspect, the support arm 1822 may pivot withinthe central opening 1820 of the support plate 1812 between a firstposition and a second position. In the first position, shown in FIG. 19,in which the support arm 1822 fits into the central opening 1820 of thesupport plate 1812 and the support arm 1822 is flush with the supportplate 1812, i.e., an upper surface of the support arm 1822 is even withan upper surface of the support plate 1812, a lower surface of thesupport arm 1822 is even with a lower surface of the support plate 1812,or a combination thereof.

In the second position, the support arm 1822 may form an angle withrespect to the support plate 1812. In a particular aspect, the supportarm 1822, the support plate 1812, or a combination thereof may include adetent (not shown), spring (not shown), or other similar mechanism tohold the support arm 1822 in the second position. By applying pressureon the distal end 1826 of the support arm 1822 the force of detent, orspring, may be overcome and the support arm 1822 may be returned to thefirst position.

As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, in the second position, a PCD, e.g.,the PCD 100 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4 may rest on the support arm1822 and a multi-pin connector array on the PCD 100 may engage themulti-pin connector array 1828 on the PCD docking tray 1810. The supportarm 1822 may support the PCD 100 at an angle to facilitate viewing ofthe PCD 100 during operation of the PCD 100 and the PCD docking station1800.

In a particular aspect, as shown in FIG. 18, the PCD docking station1800 may further include an eject button 1830. The eject button 1830 maybe incorporated into the PCD docking tray 1810. Alternatively, the ejectbutton 1830 may be incorporated into the PCD docking station 1800adjacent to the PCD docking tray 1810. When the eject button 1830 ispressed, the PCD docking tray 1810 may be moved from the closed positionto the open position. In the open position, the PCD 100 may be dockedwith and supported by the PCD docking tray 1810.

When the PCD 100 is engaged within the PCD docking tray 1810, thedisplay within the PCD docking station 1800 may operate as a primarydisplay and the PCD 100 may operate as a secondary display.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD 100 is docked with the PCDdocking station 1800 the combination may be considered a mobilecomputing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, thecombination of the PCD 100 and the PCD docking station 1800 is portable.

Referring to FIG. 23 through FIG. 25, a fifth aspect of a PCD dockingstation is shown and is generally designated 2300. In general, the PCDdocking station 2300 shown in FIG. 23 through FIG. 25 is configured in amanner similar to the PCD docking station 600 described in conjunctionwith FIG. 6 through FIG. 11. However, the PCD docking station 2300 shownin FIG. 23 through FIG. 25 does not include a open-faced, closed-endedPCD docking pocket 690 (FIG. 10).

As illustrated in FIG. 23 through FIG. 25, the PCD docking station 2300may include a housing 2302 having a lower housing portion 2304 and anupper housing portion 2306. In this aspect, the upper housing portion2306 may include a PCD docking tray 2310 extending therefrom. Inparticular, the PCD docking tray 2310 may be slidably engaged with theupper housing portion 2306 of the PCD docking station 2300. The PCDdocking tray 2310 may extend from a side of the upper housing portion2306, e.g., a left side, a right side, or a front side (i.e., a top sidewhen the upper housing portion 2306 is open). In a particular aspect, asshown, the PCD docking tray 2310 may extend outwardly from the rightside of the upper housing portion 2306 of the PCD docking station 2300.

The PCD docking tray 2310 may include a generally flat, generallyrectangular support plate 2312 having a proximal end 2314 and a distalend 2316. A face plate 2318 may be attached to, or formed with, thedistal end 2316 of the support plate 2312. In a particular aspect, theface plate 2318 may be perpendicular to the support plate 2312. FIG. 24and FIG. 25 further show that the PCD docking tray 2310 may include asupport lip 2320 formed along a bottom edge of the support plate 2312.In a particular aspect, the support lip 2320 may be generally “L” shapedand provide a pocket between the support lip 2320 and the support plate2312 in which an end of a PCD may fit and rest during use.

Further, as depicted in FIG. 23, the upper housing portion 2306 of thePCD docking station 2302 may include a multi-pin connector array 2328adjacent to the PCD docking tray 2310. In a particular aspect, themulti-pin connector array 2328 may be located adjacent to the proximalend 2314 of the support plate 2312. The multi-pin connector array 2328may be sized and shaped to removably engage a correspondingly sized andshaped multi-pin connector array on a PCD, e.g., the multi-pin connectorarray 130 illustrated in FIG. 3, the multi-pin connector array 132illustrated in FIG. 4, a combination thereof, or some other type ofmulti-pin connector array known in the art.

In a particular aspect, the PCD docking tray 2310 is movable between aopen position, or extended position, shown in FIG. 24, in which the PCDdocking tray 2310 extends fully from within the housing 2302, e.g., theupper housing portion 2306, and a closed position, or retractedposition, in which the PCD docking tray 2310 is retracted into thehousing 2302, e.g., the upper housing portion 2306. In the retractedposition, the face plate 2318 of the PCD docking tray 2310 may be flushwith the side of the upper housing portion 2306.

In the extended position, as shown in FIG. 25, the PCD 100 may rest onthe PCD docking tray 2310 and a multi-pin connector array on the PCD 100may engage the multi-pin connector array 2328 on the upper housingportion 2306. The PCD docking tray 2310 may support the PCD 100 at thesame angle as the upper housing portion 2306 is relative to the lowerhousing portion 2304 to facilitate viewing of the PCD 100 duringoperation of the PCD 100 and the PCD docking station 2300.

In a particular aspect, as shown in FIG. 23, the PCD docking station2300 may further include an eject button 2330. The eject button 2330 maybe incorporated into the PCD docking station 2300 adjacent to the PCDdocking tray 2310. Alternatively, the eject button 2330 may beincorporated into the PCD docking tray 2310. When the eject button 2330is pressed, the PCD docking tray 2310 may be moved from the closedposition to the open position. In the open position, the PCD 100 may bedocked with and supported by the PCD docking tray 2310.

When the PCD 100 is engaged within the PCD docking tray 2310, thedisplay within the PCD docking station 2300 may operate as a primarydisplay and the PCD 100 may operate as a secondary display.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD 100 is docked with the PCDdocking station 2300 the combination may be considered a mobilecomputing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, thecombination of the PCD 100 and the PCD docking station 2300 is portable.

Referring now to FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, a sixth aspect of a PCD dockingstation is shown and is generally designated 2600. In general, the PCDdocking station 2600 shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 is configured in amanner similar to the PCD docking station 600 described in conjunctionwith FIG. 6 through FIG. 11. However, the PCD docking station 2600 shownin FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 does not include a touch pad mouse 674, a firstmouse button 676, a second mouse button 678, or a combination thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the PCD docking station 2600 mayinclude a housing 2602 having a lower housing portion 2604 and an upperhousing portion 2606. The lower housing portion 2604 of the housing 2602may include an open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 2610 formedin the surface thereof. In this aspect, the open-faced, closed-ended PCDdocking pocket 2610 may be sized and shaped to receive a correspondinglysized and shaped PCD, e.g., the PCD 100 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4.

In a particular aspect, the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610 may be a depression or hole formed in the lower housing portion2604 of the housing 2602. As shown, the open-faced, closed-ended PCDdocking pocket 2610 may be an open space, or a volume, formed within aleft side wall 2612, a right side wall 2614, a rear side wall 2616, afront side wall 2618, and a bottom surface 2620.

FIG. 26 indicates that the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610 may include a multi-pin connector array 2622. The multi-pinconnector array 2622 may be formed in, extend from (or a combinationthereof), one of the side walls 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618. In the aspect asshown in FIG. 26, the multi-pin connector 2622 may extend from the leftside wall 2612 of the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 2610.The multi-pin connector array 2622 may be sized and shaped to removablyengage a correspondingly sized and shaped multi-pin connector array,e.g., the multi-pin connector array 130 illustrated in FIG. 3, themulti-pin connector array 132 illustrated in FIG. 4, a combinationthereof, or some other type of multi-pin connector array known in theart.

As shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the open-faced, closed-ended PCDdocking pocket 2610 may also include a latch assembly 2624 that extendsover an edge of one of the side walls 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618. In theaspect as shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, the latch assembly 2624 mayextend over the edge of the right side wall 2614 of the open-faced,closed-ended PCD docking pocket 2610 opposite the left side wall 2612 ofthe open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket 2610. The latch assembly2624 may be spring loaded and slidably disposed in the surface of thelower housing portion 2604 of the housing 2602. In the aspect as shown,the latch assembly 2624 may be moved in a direction, e.g., to the right,in order to allow a PCD, e.g., the PCD 100 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG.4, to be inserted into the open-faced, closed-ended PCD docking pocket2610. Thereafter, when released, the latch assembly 2624 may move in theopposite direction, e.g., to the left. The latch assembly 2624 may thenengage an upper surface of the PCD 100 in order to maintain the PCD 100within the PCD docking pocket 2610. FIG. 27 illustrates the PCD 100engaged with the PCD docking station 2600.

As shown, the PCD 100 may be installed within the open-faced,closed-ended docking pocket 2610 as described herein. When the PCD 100is installed within the docking pocket 2610, the multi-pin connectorarray 130 of the PCD 100 may be engaged with the multi-pin connectorarray 2622 formed in the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket 2610.

In a particular aspect, when the PCD 100 is docked with the PCD dockingstation 2600, the PCD 100 may be used as a supplemental display.Further, the PCD 100 may be used as an input device, e.g., the PCD 100may be used as a mouse pad and may include a first mouse button and asecond mouse button. Also, the PCD 100 may be used as a supplementaldisplay and as a mouse pad with corresponding mouse buttons.

It may be appreciated that when the PCD 100 is docked with the PCDdocking station 2600 the combination may be considered a mobilecomputing device (MCD), e.g., a laptop computing device. Further, thecombination of the PCD 100 and the PCD docking station 2600 is portableand the housing 2602 of the PCD docking station 2600 may be closed whilethe PCD 100 is docked with the PCD docking station 2600. Also, the PCDdocking station 2600 may include a switch, e.g., a push button switch,within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket 2610. When the PCD100 is installed within the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket2610, the PCD 100 can close the switch and cause the PCD docking station2600 to be powered on, e.g., energized. When the PCD 100 is ejected, orotherwise removed, from the open-faced, closed-ended docking pocket2610, the PCD docking station 2600 may be powered off. In anotheraspect, simply engaging the PCD 100 with the multi-pin connector array2622 may cause the PCD docking station 2600 to be powered on.Disengaging the PCD 100 from the multi-pin connector array 2622 maycause the PCD docking station 2600 to be powered off.

FIG. 28 depicts a first aspect of a PCD system, generally designated2800. As shown, the PCD system 2800 may include a PCD 2802 and a PCDdocking station 2804. In a particular aspect, the PCD 2802 may beremovably engaged with the PCD docking station 2804 via a dock connector2806. The dock connector 2806 may provide electronic connectivitybetween one or more components within the PCD 2802 and one or morecomponents within the PCD docking station 2804. Additionally, the dockconnector 2806 may be a multi-pin dock connector 2806. Further, the dockconnector 2806 may be one of the multi-pin connector arrays describedherein.

As shown in FIG. 28, the PCD 2802 may include a printed circuit board(PCB) 2808 that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCDelectronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or someother appropriate device that integrates and connects the electroniccomponents in order to control the PCD 2802. The PCB 2808 may includeone or more of the components described in conjunction with FIG. 5. Abattery 2810 may be coupled to the PCB 2808.

FIG. 28 indicates that the PCD docking station 2804 may include abattery 2820 connected to the dock connector 2806. A power managementmodule 2822 may be connected to the battery 2820. Further, analternating current (AC) power connection 2824 may be connected to thepower management module 2822. The AC power connection 2824 may beconnected to an AC power source (not shown).

FIG. 28 further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed(USB-HS) port 2838 may be connected to the dock connector 2806. A firstUSB connector 2840 may be connected to the first USB-HS port 2838. Asdepicted in FIG. 28, the PCD docking station 2804 may also include asecond USB-HS port 2848. A keyboard 2856 may be connected to the secondUSB-HS port 2838. In particular, the keyboard 2856 may be akeyboard/touchpad combination.

FIG. 28 indicates that the PCD docking station 2804 may also include adisplay 2860 connected to the dock connector 2806. As shown, the dockconnector 2806 may be further connected to a ground connection 2868.

In a particular aspect, the dock connector 2806 may include forty-four(44) pins. For example, the dock connector 2806 may include eight (8)pins for the battery 2820, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port 2838,four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port 2848, twenty (20) pins for thedisplay 2860, and eight (8) pins for the ground connection 2868.

Referring to FIG. 29, a second aspect of a PCD system is shown and isgenerally designated 2900. As shown, the PCD system 2900 may include aPCD 2902 and a PCD docking station 2904. In a particular aspect, the PCD2902 may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station 2904 via adock connector 2906. The dock connector 2906 may provide electronicconnectivity between one or more components within the PCD 2902 and oneor more components within the PCD docking station 2904.

As shown in FIG. 29, the PCD 2902 may include a printed circuit board(PCB) 2908 that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCDelectronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or someother appropriate device that integrates and connects the electroniccomponents in order to control the PCD 2802. Further, the PCB 2908 mayinclude one or more of the components described in conjunction with FIG.5. A battery 2910 may be coupled to the PCB 2908.

FIG. 29 indicates that the PCD docking station 2904 may include abattery 2920 connected to the dock connector 2906. A power managementmodule 2922 may be connected to the battery 2920. Further, analternating current (AC) power connection 2924 may be connected to thepower management module 2922. The AC power connection 2924 may beconnected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O)2926 may be connected to the dock connector 2906 and one or morespeakers 2928 may be connected to the audio I/O 2926.

As illustrated, a Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller (GbE MAC)2934 may also be connected to the dock connector 2906. An Ethernet port2936 may be connected to the GbE MAC 2934. In a particular aspect, theEthernet port 2936 may be an RJ45 jack.

FIG. 29 further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed(USB-HS) port 2938 may be connected to the dock connector 2906. A firstUSB connector 2942 may be connected to the first USB-HS port 2938. Asdepicted in FIG. 29, the PCD docking station 2904 may also include asecond USB-HS port 2948. A second USB connector 2950 may be connected tothe second USB-HS port 2948. Moreover, as depicted, a third USB-HS port2954 may be connected to the dock connector 2906. A keyboard 2956 may beconnected to the third USB-HS port 2954. In particular, the keyboard2956 may be a keyboard/touchpad combination.

FIG. 29 indicates that the PCD docking station 2904 may also include adisplay 2960. Additionally, the PCD docking station 2904 may include anRGB(A) connector 2962 coupled to the dock connector 2906. A D-subconnector 2964 may be connected to the RGB(A) connector 2962. As shown,the dock connector 2906 may be connected to a ground connection 2968.

In a particular aspect, the dock connector 2906 may include one hundrednineteen (119) pins. For example, the dock connector 2906 may includeten (10) pins for the battery 2920, three (3) pins for the audio I/O2926, thirty-six (36) pins for the GbE MAC 2934, four (4) pins for thefirst USB-HS port 2938, four (4) pins for the second USB-HS port 2948,four (4) pins for the third USB-HS port 2954, twenty (20) pins for thedisplay 2960, twenty-eight (28) pins for the RGB(A) connector 2962, andten (10) pins for the ground connection 2968.

FIG. 30 illustrates a third aspect of a PCD system, generally designated3000. As shown, the PCD system 3000 may include a PCD 3002 and a PCDdocking station 3004. In a particular aspect, the PCD 3002 may beremovably engaged with the PCD docking station 3004 via a dock connector3006. The dock connector 3006 may provide electronic connectivitybetween one or more components within the PCD 3002 and one or morecomponents within the PCD docking station 3004.

As shown in FIG. 30, the PCD 3002 may include a printed circuit board(PCB) 3008 that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCDelectronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or someother appropriate device that integrates and connects the electroniccomponents in order to control the PCD 3002. Further, the PCB 3008 mayinclude one or more of the components described in conjunction with FIG.5. A battery 3010 may be coupled to the PCB 3008.

FIG. 30 indicates that the PCD docking station 3004 may include abattery 3020 connected to the dock connector 3006. A power managementmodule 3022 may be connected to the battery 3020. Further, analternating current (AC) power connection 3024 may be connected to thepower management module 3022. The AC power connection 3024 may beconnected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O)3026 may be connected to the dock connector 3006 and one or morespeakers 3028 may be connected to the audio I/O 3026.

As further illustrated in FIG. 30, a mobile display digital interface(MDDI) 3030 may be connected to the dock connector 3006. A camera 3032may be connected to the MDDI 3030. Further, a Gigabit Ethernet MediaAccess Controller (GbE MAC) 3034 may also be connected to the dockconnector. An Ethernet port 3036 may be connected to the GbE MAC 3034.In a particular aspect, the Ethernet port 3036 may be an RJ45 jack.

FIG. 30 further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed(USB-HS) port 3038 may be connected to the dock connector 3006. A USBhub 3040 may be connected to the first USB-HS port 3038. A first USBconnector 3042 and a second USB connector 3044 may be connected to theUSB hub 3040. Additionally, a keyboard 3046 may be connected to the USBhub 3040. In particular, the keyboard 3046 may be a keyboard/touchpadcombination.

As depicted in FIG. 30, the PCD docking station 3004 may also include asecond USB-HS port 3048. A first serial advanced technology attachment(SATA) to USB converter 3050 may be connected to the second USB-HS port3048. A digital video disk (DVD) drive 3052 may be connected to thefirst SATA-USB converter 3050. Further, the PCD docking station 3004 mayinclude a third USB-HS port 3054. A second SATA-USB converter 3056 maybe connected to the third USB-HS port 3054 and a hard disk drive (HDD)3058 may be connected to the third USB-HS port 3054.

FIG. 30 indicates that the PCD docking station 3004 may also include adisplay 3060. Additionally, the PCD docking station 3004 may include anRGB(A) connector 3062 coupled to the dock connector 3006. A D-subconnector 3064 may be connected to the RGB(A) connector 3062. As shown,the dock connector 3006 may be connected to a ground connection 3068.

In a particular aspect, the dock connector 3006 may include one hundredtwenty-seven (127) pins. For example, the dock connector 3006 mayinclude ten (10) pins for the battery 3020, five (5) pins for the audioI/O 3026, six (6) pins for the MDDI 3030, thirty-six (36) pins for theGbE MAC 3034, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port 3038, four (4)pins for the second USB-HS port 3048, four (4) pins for the third USB-HSport 3054, twenty (20) pins for the display 3060, twenty-eight (28) pinsfor the RGB(A) connector 3062, and ten (10) pins for the groundconnection 3068. The dock connector 3006 may also include an additionalthree (3) pins for the SATA 3050 connected to the second USB-HS port3048.

Referring now to FIG. 31, a fourth aspect of a PCD system is shown andis generally designated 3100. As shown, the PCD system 3100 may includea PCD 3102 and a PCD docking station 3104. In a particular aspect, thePCD 3102 may be removably engaged with the PCD docking station 3104 viaa dock connector 3106. The dock connector 3106 may provide electronicconnectivity between one or more components within the PCD 3102 and oneor more components within the PCD docking station 3104.

As shown in FIG. 31, the PCD 3102 may include a printed circuit board(PCB) 3108 that may include the PCD electronic components. The PCDelectronic components may be packaged as a system-on-chip (SOC) or someother appropriate device that integrates and connects the electroniccomponents in order to control the PCD 3102. Further, the PCB 3108 mayinclude one or more of the components described in conjunction with FIG.5. A battery 3110 may be coupled to the PCB 3108.

FIG. 31 indicates that the PCD docking station 3104 may include abattery 3120 connected to the dock connector 3106. A power managementmodule 3122 may be connected to the battery 3120. Further, analternating current (AC) power connection 3124 may be connected to thepower management module 3122. The AC power connection 3124 may beconnected to an AC power source (not shown). An audio input/output (I/O)3126 may be connected to the dock connector 3106 and one or morespeakers 3128 may be connected to the audio I/O 3126.

As further illustrated in FIG. 31, a mobile display digital interface(MDDI) 3130 may be connected to the dock connector 3106. A camera 3132may be connected to the MDDI 3130. Further, a Gigabit Ethernet MediaAccess Controller (GbE MAC) 3134 may also be connected to the dockconnector. An Ethernet port 3136 may be connected to the GbE MAC 3134.In a particular aspect, the Ethernet port 3136 may be an RJ45 jack.

FIG. 31 further shows that a first universal serial bus-high speed(USB-HS) port 3138 may be connected to the dock connector 3106. A USBhub 3140 may be connected to the first USB-HS port 3138. A first USBconnector 3142 and a second USB connector 3144 may be connected to theUSB hub 3140. Additionally, a keyboard 3146 may be connected to the USBhub 3140. In particular, the keyboard 3146 may be a keyboard/touchpadcombination.

As depicted in FIG. 31, the PCD docking station 3104 may also include asecond USB-HS port 3148. A first serial advanced technology attachment(SATA) to USB converter 3150 may be connected to the second USB-HS port3148. A digital video disk (DVD) drive 3152 may be connected to thefirst SATA-USB converter 3150. Further, the PCD docking station 3104 mayinclude a third USB-HS port 3154. A second SATA-USB converter 3156 maybe connected to the third USB-HS port 3154 and a hard disk drive (HDD)3158 may be connected to the third USB-HS port 3154.

FIG. 31 indicates that the PCD docking station 3104 may also include adisplay 3160. Additionally, the PCD docking station 3104 may include anRGB(A) connector 3162 coupled to the dock connector 3106. A D-subconnector 3164 may be connected to the RGB(A) connector 3162. Ahigh-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) 3166 may also be connectedto the dock connector 3106. As shown, the dock connector 3106 may beconnected to a ground connection 3168.

In a particular aspect, the dock connector 3106 may include one hundredforty-six (146) pins. For example, the dock connector 3106 may includeten (10) pins for the battery 3120, five (5) pins for the audio I/O3126, six (6) pins for the MDDI 3130, thirty-six (36) pins for the GbEMAC 3134, four (4) pins for the first USB-HS port 3138, four (4) pinsfor the second USB-HS port 3148, four (4) pins for the third USB-HS port3154, twenty (20) pins for the display 3160, twenty-eight (28) pins forthe RGB(A) connector 3162, nineteen (19) pins for the HDMI 3166, and ten(10) pins for the ground connection 3168. The dock connector 3106 mayalso include an additional three (3) pins for the SATA 3150 connected tothe second USB-HS port 3148.

Referring to FIG. 32, a PCD processor system is shown and is generallydesignated 3200. As shown, the PCD processor system 3200 may include afirst core processor 3202, a second core processor 3204, a third coreprocessor 3206, and a fourth core processor 3208. Further, the PCDprocessor system 3200 may include a 32-bit processor 3210, e.g., an ARM11 processor.

As shown, one or more hardware peripherals 3212 may be connected to thefirst core processor 3202, the second core processor 3204, the thirdcore processor 3206, the fourth core processor 3208, the 32-bitprocessor 3210, or a combination thereof. In a particular aspect, aprocess monitor and load leveler 3214 may be connected to the first coreprocessor 3202, the second core processor 3204, the third core processor3206, and the fourth core processor 3208. As described herein, theprocess monitor and load leveler 3214 may act as a processor manager toturn the core processors 3202, 3204, 3206, 3208 on and off depending onoperational requirements, whether a PCD is docked, whether a PCD isundocked or a combination thereof. The process monitor and load leveler3214 may act as a means for executing one or more of the method stepsdescribed herein.

FIG. 32 further indicates that a first process 3216 and a second process3218 may be executed by the 32-bit processor 3210. A third process 3220,a fourth process 3222, a fifth process 3224, a sixth process 3226, aseventh process 3228, and an Nth process 3230 may be executed by thefirst core processor 3202, the second core processor 3204, the thirdcore processor 3206, the fourth core processor 3208, or a combinationthereof via the process monitor and load leveler 3214.

The PCD processor system 3200 may further include a modem real-timeoperating system (RTOS) 3232 that may operate above the first process3216 and the second process 3218. An application RTOS 3234 may operateabove the third process 3220, the fourth process 3222, the fifth process3224, the sixth process 3226, the seventh process 3228, and the Nthprocess 3230. In a particular aspect, the application RTOS may be anRTOS provided by Linux™. A plurality of applications 3236 may beexecuted by the modem RTOS 3232 and the application RTOS 3234.

Referring to FIG. 33, a method of managing power distribution between aPCD and a PCD docking station is shown and is generally designated 3300.Commencing at block 3301, a do loop may be entered in which when the PCDis docked with the PCD docking station, the following steps may beperformed. At decision 3302, a power management module may determinewhether the PCD is powered on. If so, the method may proceed to block3303 and the PCD docking station may be turned on, e.g., by the powermanagement module. Otherwise, the method may proceed to block 3304 andthe PCD and the PCD docking station may be turned on, e.g., by the powermanagement module. From block 3303 and block 3304, the method mayproceed to block 3305.

At block 3305, the power supply to the PCD may be switched from the PCDbattery to the PCD docking station battery. At block 3306, the PCDdocking station and the PCD may be powered from the PCD docking stationbattery. Further, at block 3308, the PCD battery power may bedetermined, e.g., the remaining battery power of the PCD battery may bedetermined.

Moving to decision 3310, a power management module may determine whetherthe PCD battery power is equal to a charge condition. For example, thepower management module may determine whether a remaining battery lifeis below a predetermined value, e.g., a percentage (%) of total PCDbattery life. Also, the power management module may reside in aprocessor within the PCD.

Returning to the description of the method 3300, if the PCD batterypower is equal to a charge condition, the method 3300 may proceed toblock 3312 and the PCD battery may be charged from the PCD dockingstation battery. Thereafter, the method may continue to block 3314.Returning to decision 3310, if the PCD battery power is not equal to thecharge condition, the method may move directly to block 3314.

At block 3314, the PCD docking station battery power may be monitored.Next, at decision 3316, the power management module may determinewhether the docking station battery power is equal to a warningcondition. For example, the power management module may determinewhether a remaining battery power associated with the PCD dockingstation battery is below a predetermined value, e.g., a percentage (%)of total PCD docking station battery life.

If the docking station battery power is not equal to the warningcondition, the method may return to block 3314 and continue as describedherein. Otherwise, if the docking station battery power is equal to thewarning condition, the method 3300 may move to block 3318 and the powermanagement module may transmit a first warning to the user. The firstwarning may be an audio warning, a visual warning, or a combinationthereof. From block 3318, the method 3300 may move to block 3320 of FIG.34.

At block 3320, the power management module may monitor the PCD dockingstation battery power. Then, the method may move to decision 3322 andthe power management module may determine whether the docking stationbattery power is equal to a critical condition. For example, the powermanagement module may determine whether a remaining battery powerassociated with the PCD docking station battery is below a predeterminedvalue, e.g., a percentage (%) of total PCD docking station battery life.If the PCD docking station battery power is not equal to the criticalcondition, the method 3300 may return to block 3320 and continue asdescribed herein. Otherwise, if the PCD docking station battery power isequal to the critical condition, the method 3300 may proceed to block3324 and the power management module may transmit a second warning tothe user. The second warning may be an audio warning, a visual warning,or a combination thereof.

From block 3324, the method may continue to decision 3326 and the powermanagement module may determine whether a power source is plugged intothe PCD docking station. The power source may be an alternating current(A/C) power source, an external direct current (D/C) power source, or acombination thereof. If a power source is plugged into the PCD dockingstation, the method 3300 may continue to block 3328 and the powermanagement module may charge the PCD docking station battery from thepower source. Thereafter, the method may return to block 3304 of FIG. 33and continue as described herein.

Returning to decision 3326, if the power management module does notdetect that a power source is plugged into the PCD docking station, themethod 3300 may proceed to block 3330 and the power management modulemay switch the power supply to the PCD and the PCD docking station fromthe PCD docking station battery to the PCD battery. Next, at block 3332,the PCD docking station and the PCD may be powered from the PCD battery.

Moving to block 3334, the power management module may monitor the PCDbattery power. At decision 3336, the power management module maydetermine whether the PCD battery power is equal to a power downcondition. For example, the power management module may determinewhether a remaining battery power associated with the PCD battery isbelow a predetermined value, e.g., a percentage (%) of total PCD batterylife. If the PCD battery power is not equal to the power down condition,the method 3300 may return to block 3334 and continue as describedherein. Conversely, if the PCD battery power is equal to the power downcondition, the method 3300 may continue to block 3338 and the powermanagement module may turn off the PCD/PCD docking station combinationmodule. Then, the method 3300 may end.

With the configuration described herein, the PCD/PCD docking stationcombination provides feature segmentation between the PCD and the PCDdocking station. A PCD may be engaged with a PCD docking station in oneof the manners described herein. For example, a PCD may be engaged witha PCD engagement mechanism, e.g., a PCD docking pocket, a PCD dockingtray, or a similar mechanism. Further, dual display usage is provided,e.g., by a display in a PCD and a display in a PCD docking station. Whenengaged with a PCD docking station, a PCD may be charged by the PCDdocking station. Moreover, seamless user interface and applicationtransition may be provided as the PCD is docked or undocked.

In a particular aspect, user interface features may be provided when aPCD is docked or undocked. One such aspect, is a “fish-eye” bubble thatmay be provided across all applications displayed on the PCD.Additionally, application layer scaling may be provided. For example, aprimary application version may be executed when a PCD is docked and asecondary application version may be executed when a PCD is undocked.Alternatively, a standard application version may be executed when a PCDis undocked and an enhanced application version may be executed when aPCD is docked. In an undocked mode, a PCD may execute less computationalintensive, smaller footprint applications. In a docked mode, fullfunctionality applications may be executed by the PCD. Whether a PCD isdocked or undocked may be automatically detected and the appropriateapplication versions may be executed when available.

When a PCD is undocked, two low power processors may be used for smallscreen applications and the PCD operating system (OS). Further, two highperformance processors may be used to execute larger applications whenthe PCD is docked with a PCD docking station. In another aspect, whenthe PCD is docked, one processor may be used for mouse controls andgraphical user interface controls, i.e., touch screen controls; oneprocessor may be used for shared input/output controls; one processor beused for a PCD OS; and one processor may be used for a desktop OS storedon a PCD docking station. In yet another aspect, each processor may runa different OS and framework.

A PCD docking station may be connected to a home network and when a PCDis docked with the PCD docking station, the PCD may, in turn, beconnected to the home network. Moreover, data, e.g., applications,content, or a combination thereof, may be automatically backed up to aPCD docking station when a PCD is docked with the PCD docking station. APCD docking station may include a display, a display buffer, a HDD,additional memory, LAN capabilities, WLAN capabilities, one or more USBports, printer connections, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The PCD dockingstation may include a large screen application memory. A large screenapplication and an OS state may be retained in the PCD docking stationmemory when the PCD is undocked in order to enable instant-on when thePCD is again docked. A large screen application may include a browserapplication, a word processor application, a spreadsheet application, apresentation application, an email application, a calendar application,a video application, or a combination thereof. A small screenapplication may include a media player application, a phone application,a control application, or a combination thereof.

When a PCD is docked with a PCD docking station, a user can takeadvantage of a relatively larger display incorporated into the PCDdocking station. Further, a user may use a full keyboard and mouse toaccess data stored in the PCD. A PCD docking station may be incorporatedinto a vehicle, a kiosk, a set top box, etc. and a PCD may be dockedtherewith.

It is to be understood that the method steps described herein need notnecessarily be performed in the order as described. Further, words suchas “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit theorder of the steps. These words are simply used to guide the readerthrough the description of the method steps.

In one or more exemplary aspects, the functions described may beimplemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on ortransmitted over as one or more instructions or code on acomputer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computerstorage media and communication media including any medium thatfacilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Astorage media may be any available media that may be accessed by acomputer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readablemedia may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code inthe form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed bya computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readablemedium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website,server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable,twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologiessuch as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiberoptic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such asinfrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium.Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc,optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray discwhere disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproducedata optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also beincluded within the scope of computer-readable media.

Although selected aspects have been illustrated and described in detail,it will be understood that various substitutions and alterations may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention, as defined by the following claims.

1. A method of managing power distribution between a portable computingdevice (PCD) and a PCD docking station, the method comprising:determining that the PCD is docked with the PCD docking station;switching a power supply to the PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD dockingstation battery; and powering the PCD and the PCD docking station fromthe PCD docking station battery.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: determining whether a PCD battery power equals a chargecondition; and charging the PCD battery when the PCD battery powerequals the charge condition.
 3. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising: monitoring a PCD docking station battery power; determiningwhether the PCD docking station battery power equals a warningcondition; and transmitting a first warning when the PCD docking stationbattery power equals the warning condition.
 4. The method of claim 3,further comprising: determining whether the PCD docking station batterypower equals a critical condition; and transmitting a second warningwhen the PCD docking station battery power equals the criticalcondition.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: determiningwhether an external power source is connected to the PCD dockingstation.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: charging the PCDdocking station battery when the external power source is connected. 7.The method of claim 5, further comprising: switching the power supply tothe PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station batteryto the PCD battery; and powering the PCD and the PCD docking stationfrom the PCD battery.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:monitoring the PCD battery power; and determining whether the PCDbattery power equals a power down condition.
 9. The method of claim 8,further comprising: transmitting a third warning when the PCD batterypower equals the power down condition.
 10. The method of claim 9,further comprising: powering down the PCD and the PCD docking stationwhen the PCD battery power equals the power down condition.
 11. Aportable computing device (PCD), comprising: means for determining thatthe PCD is docked with a PCD docking station; means for switching apower supply to the PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD docking stationbattery; and means for powering the PCD and the PCD docking station fromthe PCD docking station battery.
 12. The portable computing device ofclaim 11, further comprising: means for determining whether a PCDbattery power equals a charge condition; and means for charging the PCDbattery when the PCD battery power equals the charge condition.
 13. Theportable computing device of claim 12, further comprising: means formonitoring a PCD docking station battery power; means for determiningwhether the PCD docking station battery power equals a warningcondition; and means for transmitting a first warning when the PCDdocking station battery power equals the warning condition.
 14. Theportable computing device of claim 13, further comprising: means fordetermining whether the PCD docking station battery power equals acritical condition; and means for transmitting a second warning when thePCD docking station battery power equals the critical condition.
 15. Theportable computing device of claim 14, further comprising: means fordetermining whether an external power source is connected to the PCDdocking station.
 16. The portable computing device of claim 15, furthercomprising: means for charging the PCD docking station battery when theexternal power source is connected.
 17. The portable computing device ofclaim 15, further comprising: means for switching the power supply tothe PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station batteryto the PCD battery; and means for powering the PCD and the PCD dockingstation from the PCD battery.
 18. The portable computing device of claim17, further comprising: means for monitoring the PCD battery power; andmeans for determining whether the PCD battery power equals a power downcondition.
 19. The portable computing device of claim 18, furthercomprising: means for transmitting a third warning when the PCD batterypower equals the power down condition.
 20. The portable computing deviceof claim 19, further comprising: means for powering down the PCD and thePCD docking station when the PCD battery power equals the power downcondition.
 21. A portable computing device (PCD), comprising: aprocessor, wherein the processor is operable to: determine that the PCDis docked with a PCD docking station; switch a power supply to the PCDfrom a PCD battery to a PCD docking station battery; and power the PCDand the PCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery. 22.The portable computing device of claim 21, wherein the processor isfurther operable to: determine whether a PCD battery power equals acharge condition; and charge the PCD battery when the PCD battery powerequals the charge condition.
 23. The portable computing device of claim22, wherein the processor is further operable to: monitor a PCD dockingstation battery power; determine whether the PCD docking station batterypower equals a warning condition; and transmit a first warning when thePCD docking station battery power equals the warning condition.
 24. Theportable computing device of claim 23, wherein the processor is furtheroperable to: determine whether the PCD docking station battery powerequals a critical condition; and transmit a second warning when the PCDdocking station battery power equals the critical condition.
 25. Theportable computing device of claim 24, wherein the processor is furtheroperable to: determine whether an external power source is connected tothe PCD docking station.
 26. The portable computing device of claim 25,wherein the processor is further operable to: charge the PCD dockingstation battery when the external power source is connected.
 27. Theportable computing device of claim 25, wherein the processor is furtheroperable to: switch the power supply to the PCD and the PCD dockingstation from the PCD docking station battery to the PCD battery; andpower the PCD and the PCD docking station from the PCD battery.
 28. Theportable computing device of claim 27, wherein the processor is furtheroperable to: monitor the PCD battery power; and determine whether thePCD battery power equals a power down condition.
 29. The portablecomputing device of claim 28, wherein the processor is further operableto: transmit a third warning when the PCD battery power equals the powerdown condition.
 30. The portable computing device of claim 29, whereinthe processor is further operable to: power down the PCD and the PCDdocking station when the PCD battery power equals the power downcondition.
 31. A computer program product, comprising: acomputer-readable medium, comprising: at least one instruction fordetermining that a portable computing device (PCD) is docked with a PCDdocking station; at least one instruction for switching a power supplyto the PCD from a PCD battery to a PCD docking station battery; and atleast one instruction for powering the PCD and the PCD docking stationfrom the PCD docking station battery.
 32. The computer program productof claim 31, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises: atleast one instruction for determining whether a PCD battery power equalsa charge condition; and at least one instruction for charging the PCDbattery when the PCD battery power equals the charge condition.
 33. Thecomputer program product of claim 32, wherein the computer-readablemedium further comprises: at least one instruction for monitoring a PCDdocking station battery power; at least one instruction for determiningwhether the PCD docking station battery power equals a warningcondition; and at least one instruction for transmitting a first warningwhen the PCD docking station battery power equals the warning condition.34. The computer program product of claim 33, wherein thecomputer-readable medium further comprises: at least one instruction fordetermining whether the PCD docking station battery power equals acritical condition; and at least one instruction for transmitting asecond warning when the PCD docking station battery power equals thecritical condition.
 35. The computer program product of claim 34,wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises: at least oneinstruction for determining whether an external power source isconnected to the PCD docking station.
 36. The computer program productof claim 35, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises: atleast one instruction for charging the PCD docking station battery whenthe external power source is connected.
 37. The computer program productof claim 35, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises: atleast one instruction for switching the power supply to the PCD and thePCD docking station from the PCD docking station battery to the PCDbattery; and at least one instruction for powering the PCD and the PCDdocking station from the PCD battery.
 38. The computer program productof claim 37, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises: atleast one instruction for monitoring the PCD battery power; and at leastone instruction for determining whether the PCD battery power equals apower down condition.
 39. The computer program product of claim 38,wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises: at least oneinstruction for transmitting a third warning when the PCD battery powerequals the power down condition.
 40. The computer program product ofclaim 39, wherein the computer-readable medium further comprises: atleast one instruction for powering down the PCD and the PCD dockingstation when the PCD battery power equals the power down condition.